The following Microview is
more for the readers and writers of steampunk and horror but I'm sure the crime
writers among us will enjoy the interview as well. It probably came as no
surprise that Oz
the Great and Powerful had
a smash opening and has been enjoying a successful run at the box office. Big
name stars, a familiar story, and incredible production values. This month,
choreographer Leslie Kay agreed to take part in a micro interview.
HARD-NOSED SLEUTH: You were tasked with
creating a cinematic moment with one of the most iconic groups to ever appear
in a movie. Talk a little about creating a new chapter in Munchkin lore.
LESLIE KAY: When I was first asked to
recreate one of the most iconic scenes in movie history, The Munchkin Dance, by
director Sam Raimi, I was a bit overwhelmed. We began with a few dance routines
that Sam didn't think were big enough. I thought to myself, "How do you
make little people big!?" It was then I decided to bring on the stunt crew
and make it a stunt wire, acrobatic, high flying routine!
HNS: Writers sweat and
struggle mentally putting words together to create story. Did you look at using
choreography as a way to add to the story or were you more concerned with mood
and characterization?
LK: Movie choreography is very
different from dance choreography, what I'm typically used to. The definition
of choreography in Oz included not only dancing but blocking, marching and
staging. There is a lot that can be told through body language and blocking. It
definitely helps to convey the "feel" of a scene and helps to tell
the story.
HNS: Last question. I usually
conclude by asking people when they knew they wanted to be writers. What was
the moment for you about dance?
LK: I'm often asked at what age
I decided to be a choreographer. Most dancers start off very young and grow
into the instruction/choreography side of things in adulthood. I can honestly
say, as much as I love to perform, I've always enjoyed creating the piece and
leading the classroom. I recently found a school project from Kindergarden
asking "What do you want to be when you grow up?" At age 5, I said
choreographer. I didn't spell the word right but I knew that was what I wanted
to do! Dreams can come true, if you have a goal and stick to it!
THANKS!!!!!
HNS: Thank you, Leslie!
Lesley Kay has been
teaching dance for over 20 years. She is the Head Choreographer on Walt Disney Picture’s “Oz
The Great and Powerful” out next Spring. Lesley is the director of The Detroit
Dolls, former member of the Detroit Lion’s On Field Promotions Team and currently
choreographs their nationally televised Thanksgiving Day Halftime Show. She specializes in
Large Productions, Hip Hop, Jazz Technique and Musical Theatre. A former member of
the Detroit Piston’s Dance Team, instructor at the prestigious Juliana’s
Academy of Dance and has choreographed commercials in L.A. and Las Vegas for Little
Caesars. She is currently on staff at Oakland University and teaches all over the Metro Detroit
area. Her performance credits include Jay Sean, Gladys Knight, Enrique Iglasis, Jon Bon
Jovi and Boyz II Men. Many of her student’s achievements include; So You Think You
Can Dance/Top 3, Miss America Talent Award, NBA, NFL, Nutcracker Detroit Opera
House, Julliard School NYC and The Virginia School of Arts.
BLATANT SELF PROMOTION
CORNER:
Untreed Reads has released my YA, dystopian horror, novel Running Red. You can check it out
by clicking on the title. Right now it is on sale! 30% off!
BLATANT SELF PROMOTION
CORNER II:
Mysterical-e is running my short story, The Mayor
and the Murder. This one is free!
